Author: amymcforduvall

Investing in Duvall’s Vibrant Downtown

amymcforduvall

I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Economic Development Grants Ad-Hoc Committee, where we focus on managing funding that helps grow and beautify our community.

One of the most visible results of our work? Those gigantic flower baskets downtown—a real passion project championed by Councilmember Rick Shaffer. We were excited to support and help bring that idea to life because it adds color, charm, and a warm welcome to our city center.

We’ve also reviewed and recommended grants that have boosted the Duvall Farmer’s Market, Sandblast by Duvall Foundation for the Arts (DFA), the Duvall Music Crawll, and more—projects that directly strengthen the cultural and economic life of our downtown.

It’s these kinds of projects—big and small—that make Duvall a special place to live, work, and visit.

Lead with Love Part 5

amymcforduvall

Leading with love means never losing sight of why we lead.

It’s easy to get caught up in policies, timelines, and tough choices—but at the heart of it all are people. Neighbors. Families. Small business owners. Kids growing up here, and elders who helped build this town.

When I talk about leading with love, I’m talking about leading with them in mind—you in mind.

It means making decisions not just for today, but for the kind of Duvall we want to leave behind tomorrow.

It means slowing down to listen, even when things feel urgent.

It means remembering that leadership is not about being the loudest voice—but the most accountable one.

Duvall is special because of the way we show up for one another. That’s the spirit I want to protect and grow. A city where connection matters, where compassion shapes policy, and where everyone has a seat at the table.

So as we move forward, know this:

Love isn’t the easy path—it’s the intentional one.

And it’s the one I’ll keep walking, with and for this community.

Let’s keep building a Duvall where love leads the way. 💙

Committed to Supporting Our Community

amymcforduvall

I’ve proudly served on the Human Services Grants Ad-Hoc Committee throughout my entire eight years on the city council.

During that time, I championed a budget amendment that doubled the funding we put into human services—because I believe investing in these programs is essential to our community’s health and resilience.

Thanks to these grants, many critically needed organizations have received support, including Sno Valley Senior Center, Empower Youth Network, Acres of Diamonds, Holy Innocents Food Pantry, Hopelink, and many more.

I’m honored to continue standing up for those who need it most and helping build a stronger, more caring Duvall.

Throwback Thursday

amymcforduvall

Throwback Thursday to four years ago, in 2021, our family took a leap into something new — becoming fosters for Homeward Pet Adoption Center.

Since then, we’ve had the joy (and occasional chaos!) of fostering 25 animals — one sweet puppy and 24 adorable, mischievous kittens. Along the way, we’ve learned how to gently help extremely unsocialized animals learn to trust, and how to nurse sick ones back to health so they could thrive.

Every single foster brought their own personality, challenges, and moments of pure joy into our home. Fostering has been one of the most rewarding ways we’ve been able to give back to our community — helping animals in need get the love, care, and stability they deserve before finding their forever homes.

Here’s to all the fosters, adopters, and volunteers out there making a difference — one paw at a time. And to our sweet past foster babies who found their new beginnings: Wanda, Natasha, Clint, Lollipop, GummiBear, Candy Cane, Bruno, Mirabel, Louisa, Ralph, Felix, Taffyta, Vanellope, Sequoia, Sycamore, Spruce, Banyan, Gingko, Charlie, Betty, Marjorie, Heartbreak Prince, York, Kit Kat and Skittles ❤️ Just some of these cuties pictured here. If you want to see more check out @McHenryFosterFam on Instagram.

Strengthening How We Work Together

amymcforduvall

I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Council Procedures Ad-Hoc Committee over the years, helping guide many iterations of improvements to how our city council meetings run.

While we made real progress, the work isn’t finished. Meetings aren’t perfect, and we’re always looking for ways to improve—whether that means updating procedures or encouraging each other as members to hold ourselves accountable.

Our committee’s job was to look closely at our procedures and figure out where changes could make meetings and processes run smoother, more respectful, and more productive. But it’s equally important that we step up personally to foster a culture of respect and responsibility.

This balance—between improving our processes and strengthening our commitment to each other—is key to effective governance and keeping Duvall moving forward.